Finances limit most of the things we do. The good things in life are a little bit pricey and if you are on a fixed budget you may end up missing out on some of these things.
In the case of camcorders, manufactures have overpriced some of these products to the extent that finding the right fit for your tight budget becomes a challenge. You therefore end up settling for substandard products that malfunction the minute you put it in operation.
But that should not be the case. Quality should be your main priority every time you need to get yourself a camcorder.
In this regard we have created a guide that we believe will help you pick the best camcorder under $200 the next time you need to buy yourself a camcorder.
Considerations When You Choose
- Product Warranty. You should pick a camcorder that has an extended warranty period such that should it fail or malfunction during this time, you can just send it to the manufacturer for repair or even replacement free of charge.
- Product Quality. Even if the prices are low, you should never compromise on quality. Pick a camcorder that captures images and videos in HD format.
Fixed Lenses vs Interchangeable Lenses
Fixed focus lenses depend on a sufficient depth of field so as to generate sharp and crisp images. Fixed focus lens can be optimized for the specific camera sensor. This help the camera attain excellent focus ranges thereby producing crystal clear and sharp images.
Interchangeable lenses on the other hand can be swapped and replaced by other lenses in the camera. Interchangeable lenses allow you to change a lens and pick another with better focus and optical capabilities for better performance.
Top 5 Best Camcorders Under $200
1. PowerLead PL301
If you are on a tight budget and you are looking for the best camcorder under $200 then PowerLead PL301 HD 1080p IR Night Vision 24.0 Mega pixels Enhanced Digital Camera 16X Zoom DV 2.7 LCD HDV Video Camcorder is what you have been looking for.
It is very light and it has a unique design giving it that cool and attractive look. It captures videos in HD format eliminating any blurs on moving images along the way.
Its 2.7 inch LCD screen display can rotate up to 270 degrees thereby allowing you greater control and flexibility as you take that video.
It has a longer battery life thereby giving you more freedom to enjoy your outdoor activities.
If you do not get this camcorder after this then I do not know what you are waiting for.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Self-explanatory user manual
- Easily mounted on a tripod
- Fantastic starter camera
Cons:
- Poorly designed digital zoom
- Lens could have a red tint
2. Sereer HDV-501
If a camcorder with a night vision feature that has a bigger display and higher pixels is what you’re looking for, the Seree HDV-501 is a perfect option.
Its design is beautiful. It takes videos in 1080p format. It has a 3.0 inch touch screen display. And that is not all; it has wireless capabilities that allow you to share your experiences wirelessly.
All these contribute to make Sereer HDV-501 FHD 1080P Camcorders WIFI Connection 60FPS Dual SD Slot Night Vision External Battery 20MP 16X Digital Zoom 3 Inch Touch Screen Camera one of the most sort after camcorders in the market.
Try it today and have fun as you take clear images and videos.
Pros:
- High-quality infrared
- Touchscreen LCD
- Compact and great for travel
- Great daytime video quality
Cons:
- Low-quality audio
- No built-in lens cover
3. Brinno TLC200
Capturing short videos and then combining them into one clip is one of the top reasons you might want to opt for this Brinno camcorder.
This camcorder has the ability to take clear images and videos no matter the lighting condition. This is because it has a High Dynamic Range (HDR) sensor that eliminates any blur and shake.
It creates videos in AVI format and such video format do not require any form of post-processing. The videos are available for viewing the minute you finish capturing them.
Buy the Brinno TLC200 Pro HDR Time Lapse Video Camera today and experience magic.
Pros:
- Adequate battery life
- Impressive built-in tilt mechanism
- Useful for long time lapses
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Mediocre image quality
- Not ideal for use in rain
4. Sony HDRAS20/B Action Video Camera
The Sony HDRAS20/B is an excellent option for an action video camera with built-in stabilization. Its small, palm-sized design makes it ideal for use while participating in outdoor activities and sports. Also, you’ll find that it has a higher quality microphone than expected, suitable for capturing audio.
The Sony HDRAS20/B Action Video Camera is designed for the most action-packed experiences possible. It boasts Steady Shot image stabilization, which is essential for reducing blur with fast-moving subjects. Also, it features a one-touch NFC remote control, allowing you to record and view images from your smartphone.
With the integrated WiFi compatibility, you can connect the camera to several different devices for image transferring. As an added benefit, you’ll also find six separate video modes, allowing you to capture content as you desire. Some of our favorite video modes include the four-times slow motion and the 1080p 60fps recording option.
As mentioned, the built-in microphone in this device is far superior to other action cams. It’s a stereo mic, which should allow you to capture an assortment of environmental sounds.
Another impressive feature is the length of recording it can manage with its high-stamina battery. On average, you should be able to acquire up to 150 minutes of high-quality HD video on a single charge.
You’ll also find that this camera works well in many different conditions, ranging from bright daytime excursions to night exploration. The Exmor R CMOS sensor helps attract as much light as possible for nighttime recording, so every video is clear.
Pros:
- Useful for extreme shots
- Built-in slow-motion recording
- Integrated image stabilization
- Useful time-lapse function
Cons:
- Dated LCD
- Fully exposed lens dirties quickly
5. BestekerNight Vision Digital Camera
When it comes to capturing action shots, traditional camcorders can be a fantastic solution. The Besteker Portable Video Recorder has the body of a standard camera but features plenty of action-friendly components. Let’s look at some of the more unique features built into the camera for intense action shots.
You’ll find this camera is built to offer many of the same features you’d expect from a high-end rig. It has 24mp and a three-inch TFT LCD touch panel to quickly browse through an assortment of settings. With the addition of the 16x zoom, you can capture the action at a safe distance.
One of the more impressive features of this camera is its high-quality sensor. It boasts a CMOS 5.0mp sensor, allowing you to record higher-quality images in both bright and low light.
Using the three-inch 16:9 LCD, you can take a look at the bright and vivid videos and images you’ve captured. When composing a shot, the screen is a valuable resource, allowing you to find the ideal framing.
This camera supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB for plenty of storage as an added benefit. You’ll also be able to connect the camera directly to the TV to review your footage with ease.
There are several key conveniences built into the camera as well, including face capture. This feature finds the perfect amount of focus for all of the subjects within the frame. You’ll also appreciate its integrated infrared night vision, allowing you to capture movement in complete darkness.
Pros:
- User-friendly features
- High-quality IR sensors
- Plenty of nighttime detail
- Sleek body design
Cons:
- HD video could stutter
- Low frame rates for 1080p recording
FAQs
1. How To Repair Sony Camcorder?
Learning how to repair your camcorder can be challenging, depending on the issue it’s presenting. The top recommendation is to take your camera into a repair shop so you can have a professional look at it.
You can improve some functions by conducting a hard reset, which is easily manageable. You should look at your user manual to determine how to reset the specific camcorder model you own. Otherwise, find a local camera repair shop to handle the task for you.
2. What Are the Best Camcorders for YouTube?
When filming a YouTube video, you’re going to want a camcorder with several features. Ideally, it should allow you to use a wireless remote control to compose the recording perfectly.
You’ll also want to ensure that the file type works with the editing software you use. This process helps avoid the need to convert the data to be edited, resulting in a loss of video quality.
Another essential feature to look for is a camera that can be affixed to a tripod so you can have high-quality image stabilization. There are many camcorders well under $200 that would be more than suitable enough for YouTube videos.
3. Are Camcorders Better Than Smartphones?
Camcorders are often regarded as better than smartphones when capturing long videos. Your smartphone typically has a certain amount of storage, which makes it challenging to hold longer content.
Also, you won’t want to take up valuable storage that your phone needs for other things, like apps. It’s far better to opt for a separate camcorder when capturing action shots and important videos. This choice allows you to keep your footage safe on an entirely different device.
Read also: Best Camcorder Under $500